Diniz surprises: Vasco’s starters to face Maricá, check it out | OneFootball

Fernando Diniz is expected to field Vasco’s strongest lineup right from the start of the Carioca Championship. According to information gathered by Atenção, Vascaínos!, the coach will include all the starters for the match against Maricá this Thursday (14th) at 9:30 PM, marking the beginning of Vasco’s journey in the 2026 State Championship.

With around 10 days of training, the coaching staff believes that the Carioca will be an important stage in the season’s planning. The idea is to use the championship as a competitive laboratory to fine-tune the team with an eye on the Brazilian Championship, without giving up the fight for the state title—which Vasco hasn’t won since 2016.

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Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco.

Beyond the technical aspect, the financial factor also weighs in the decision. This year’s edition of the Carioca offers a prize of over R$ 20 million to the champion, a sum considered significant in the club’s sporting and budget planning. Internally, the assessment is that competing in the tournament with the main squad increases the chances of both sporting and financial returns.

Diniz’s approach signals a change from previous seasons, when Vasco chose to rest starters in the opening rounds of the State Championship. Now, the staff is betting on match rhythm, team chemistry, and consolidation of the playing style from the very first official game of the year.

The clash against Maricá will also serve to observe the team’s behavior in a real game situation after the pre-season period. The expectation is for a competitive Vasco from the outset, reinforcing the message that the club is entering 2026 with clear ambitions both on and off the field.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.